Laser waterfowl repellent

Abstract

A device to repel and disperse waterfowl entering a proscribed area consists of a laser beam generator generating a laser beam, and a photoelectric switch is provided so that the inventive device is only activated from dusk to dawn. A motion sensor senses the presence of waterfowl and activates the light beam source that is aimed into the area. In the preferred embodiment, a timer is provided that may be set for a desired duration. When the desired duration has elapsed, the controller deactivates the light beam source. The light beam source may consist of a single laser beam or a multiplicity of laser beams shining into the protected area. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a single laser beam is split into a plurality or multiplicity of beams using a suitable beam splitter. The inventive device may be equipped with a system that enables one or more laser beams to sweep and oscillate through the protected area so that not only is full coverage of the area assured, but the elevation of the beams is at least, at some points in time, at the level of the eyes of the waterfowl so that the waterfowl can detect the presence of the laser beams and quickly flee the area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a laser waterfowl repellent. Waterfowl such as geese and ducks are beautiful to observe from a distance. However, they are often a nuisance when they “graze” on one's yard, particularly, when they leave large deposits of feces behind. Geese, in particular, are stubborn animals. If they are chased away, more often than not, they will return over and over again. Studies have shown that migratory waterfowl are responsible for international spread of Avian flu. As such, it has become important to avoid contact with these wild animals. [0002] Even in this day and age, solutions to the problems of nuisance waterfowl are few and far between. Chemical repellents are often used in grassy areas to make the grass unpalatable for eating waterfowl. Such chemicals are useless when trying to keep waterfowl off a dock, pier or other non-grassy area. [0003] Noisemakers are often used, particularly at airports, to control when large ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] (7) Additionally, if desired, a plurality of laser beams may be provided, either through one beam that is split or through the use of a plurality of individual beams and they may be arranged in any one of a number of patterns such as (a) all at the same elevation, (b) at ascending and descending consecutive elevations, (c) in a cross configuration, or any other desired pattern. In this way, full coverage of the entire area to be protected and at elevations assuring visibility to the waterfowl will occur.

Problems solved by technology

However, they are often a nuisance when they “graze” on one's yard, particularly, when they leave large deposits of feces behind.

Such chemicals are useless when trying to keep waterfowl off a dock, pier or other non-grassy area.

However, employing a device in a residential neighborhood that emits large blasts of sound is not the most neighborly thing to do.

Animals such as border collies are also employed, but it is expensive to obtain and care for them.

It is also known that devices such as fake owls, inflatable balloons and fake inflatable snakes only deter waterfowl for short periods of time unless they are continually moved to different locations and orientations.

Such a device, while generally effective, requires the presence of the user manipulating it.

During these hours, it is often inconvenient for a property owner to use a hand-held device to disperse the waterfowl.

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